The boys' father, Paul, drifts in and out of the apartment; however, his income mostly supports his drug habit and alcoholism.
The story mentions that children as young as thirteen years old are already engaged in violence, gang membership, and drug dealing.
The story also reveals gross violations of human rights, depriving most of the youths of chances of successful futures.
The city officials who are supposed to maintain peace and order as well as look after the welfare of the people in the project are the ones who corrupted the budget intended for the betterment of the building occupants.
Through numerous interviews, discussion, and reflections he compiled, There Are No Children Here brings the different views, worries, and opinions from the members of the Rivers family.